When replacing or purchasing new tires for your vehicle, knowing how to choose the best tires for your vehicle can make a huge difference in how well your vehicle performs for your needs. The right tires can do everything from creating a smoother, more comfortable ride, to increasing your fuel efficiency, as well as adding to your vehicle’s overall safety. Always check with your trusted tire technician or owner’s manual to find your vehicle’s exact specifications for tires, and compare that with what is rated for your driving needs.

Price doesn’t mean everything – You can find some of the best performing tires, often at a fraction of the price that specialty tires sell for. Many trusted name brands frequently have manufacturer specials and rebates that can add to the overall savings. Compare brands based on performance, not on price. Specialty tires that can be purchased for racing, off-roading, or show cars may not always be the best for everyday driving needs. If your vehicle does double duties, investing in different sets of tires may extend your investment and the life of the tires.

Speed ratings and performance ratings are typically listed right on the tires themselves. Directly on the sidewall you will see coded letters and numbers, this code is your rating for the tires. The rating will tell you the tire size, it’s width, aspect ratio, diameter, and construction, as well as their load rating (how much weight it can handle), and it’s speed rating. A “P” on the tires is the most typical, rated for ‘passenger’ vehicles, or ‘performance’ makes. An “LT” is an indication that it is a ‘light truck’ tire. If a tire is coded “AT” it is rated for ‘all terrain’.

Safety ratings can vary by brand or tire. Understanding your tire’s safety rating can help in situations of hauling loads on light trucks, off-roading or all terrain vehicles, and racing performance tires. For typical vehicles there are no formal safety ratings, but reviews can be found predicting the rate of flats, blowouts, puncture ratings, and safety performance. Tires are also rated for their performance in weather conditions, such as icy winter roads, standing water on roads, or hot summer asphalt. If you live in an area with severe weather or temperature extremes, look for tires with specific ratings for your conditions.

Tire tread on most non-performance tires can typically last around 40,000- 100,000 miles, or up to 5-6 years, depending on tire brand, model, and design. Many street performance tires need to be replaced around 25,000 miles. Tread design can be essential for everything from weather conditions, to road hazards and driving terrain, to fuel efficiency. Most tires come with a standard warranty, typically 3-5 years, depending on manufacturer. A good investment in tires with a longer warranty can save you money in the long run, and provide peace of mind and safety. Tire maintenance is important for the longevity of your tires, including rotations, wheel balancing, and alignment.

Choosing the right tires for your vehicle will be based on your analysis of your driving habits, budget, and needs. Check with your expert tire technician for the latest news and available tires for your vehicle. Tire technology has come a long way in creating many tires for every need. We’re always here to help answer all of your tire questions, stop in today!

Rick Benson is a automotive industry blogger for Independent Tire Dealer. Itdroll offers tires st.louis at always affordable prices.

Rick Benson is a automotive industry blogger for Independent Tire Dealer. Itdroll offers http://itdroll.com tires st.louis at always affordable prices.

Author Bio: Rick Benson is a automotive industry blogger for Independent Tire Dealer. Itdroll offers tires st.louis at always affordable prices.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: tires, tire shop, cheap tires, buy tires, tire store